Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This chapter is devoted to main findings and discussion of the results, suggestions,
implications, and suggestions for further study. After the interpretation of the data, the
investigator was in a position to draw certain findings on the basis of analysis and
According to the objective and hypotheses stated earlier in the present study, the
main findings have been discussed according to the objectives of the study. Discussions of
the results have been presented in terms of the hypotheses of the study. On the basis of the
main findings, the hypotheses were either retained or partially accepted or rejected.
The item wise analysis of objective- I comprising of 19 items for practices of solid
waste management at the household and community level reveals the following trends with
respect to the differences of respondents viz. North East (NE) vs South West (SW), North
East (NE) vs South East (SE), North East (NE) vs North West (NW), South West (SW) vs
South East (SE), South West (SW) vs North West (NW), and South East (SE) vs North
Analysis of item-1 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores ofNE vs SW, NE vs NW and SE vs NW region ofShillong on this item.
It revealed that household waste although are stored in a container or dustbin, significant
Shillong. The mean scores indicated that maximum number of respondents use the
SW region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 4.37 to 4. 72, it indicated
that maximum number of respondents use the container or dustbin for the purpose of solid
waste accumulation at the household level. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there
exist no significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different
vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect
Analysis of item-2 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores of NE vs SW on "solid waste generated at the household level is stored
in a plastic bag" whereas there existed no significant difference on this item between NE
practice of using plastic bags were found only in NE vs SW region of Shillong. The mean
scores indicated that a sizeable number of respondents use the Plastic bags along with
NE region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 2.54 to 3.06, it indicated
that quite a sizeable number of respondents use the plastic bags for the purpose of solid
waste accumulation at the household level. As observed from the field, it was seen that
usually the plastic bag is placed within the storage container, so that the solid waste
generated does not come in direct contact with the dustbin or the container. It also
facilitates for easy disposal of the waste. In some of the households the only storage place
was a polythene or plastic bag and the bag was thrown along with the household waste.
Hence the hypothesis-} which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was
indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item-2 of the Solid
Analysis of item-3 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores ofNE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW on the item "solid
waste generated is disposed off directly in the nearby drain" whereas there existed no
disposed off solid waste generated at the household in the nearby drain followed by SE
region, NE region and SW region ofShillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.01
to 3.83, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of respondents use the most convenient
mode of disposing the solid waste generated at the household in the nearby drain. As
observed from the field, it was seen that usually the thrown solid waste with or without
plastics, blocks the sewerage or the drain causing environmental pollution. The dirty water
along with the waste, are often seen flowing with water or accumulated in the roads
causing lot of inconvenience to the traffic and the passers by. This often happened when
there was incessant rain in Shillong. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist
region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to
Analysis of item-4 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
"solid waste generated being disposed off directly in the nearby stream" whereas there
Shillong. The mean scores indicated that maximum number of respondents from SE region
dispose off solid waste generated at the household in the nearby stream followed by NW
region, NE region and SW region ofShillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.53
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to 4. 51, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of respondents use streams as the most
convenient mode of disposing the solid waste generated at the household. The solid waste
disposed of in the streams has serious environmental repercussions. It creates not only
pollution of water but acts as a serious threat to the aquatic animals. It also flows directly
into the river thus increasing the rate of contamination and also affecting the aquatic flora
and fauna of the rivers. It makes the water acidic and unfit for drinking. Hence the
hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the practices of
solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed
the hypothesis- I with respect to item-4 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Analysis of item-S revealed that there exist significant differences between the
The mean scores indicated that maximum number of respondents from SE region use the
community bin or the outside collection point for disposal of solid waste generated at the
household followed by SW region, NE region and NW region of Shillong. Since the mean
item score ranged from 2. 79 to 3.99, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of
respondents do not use the community bins or the outside collection point for disposal of
the household waste. This was evident from the analysis of the previous items which
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confirms the habit of the people of throwing the household waste in the nearby drain or in
the stream. Further as observed from the field, the people may not find the collection point
conveniently situated or the distance of the community bin may be more from the house.
Hence the hypothesis-! which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was
confirmed only in case ofNE vs SW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of
the hypothesis- I with respect to item-S of the Solid Waste Management system.
Analysis of item-6 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
in the household is stored overnight" whereas there existed no significant difference on this
item between NE vs NW, and SE vs NW region of Shillong. The mean scores indicated
that maximum number of respondents from SE region store the waste generated in the
house overnight followed by NW region, NE region and SW region of Shillong. Since the
mean item score ranged from 3. 73 to 4. 52, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of
respondents store the waste generated in the house overnight. As observed from the field,
usually the waste generated at the household was accumulated in the dustbin or in a
container for the whole night to be thrown away with the convenient mode only in the next
day. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was
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partial acceptance of the hypothesis-1 with respect to item-6 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Analysis of item-7 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
of Shillong on "waste is dumped on the road or vacant land" whereas there existed no
significant difference on this item between SE vs NW region of Shillong. The mean scores
indicated that maximum number of respondents from SE region dumped waste on the road
or vacant land followed by NW region, NE region and SW region of Shillong. Since the
mean item score ranged from 3.62 to 4.47, it indicated that quite a sizeable number of
respondents dumped the waste on the road or vacant land. Again, as usual the waste
generated at the household was accumulated in the dustbin or in a container for whole
night to be thrown away with the convenient mode only in the next day. Hence the
hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the practices of
solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed
Analysis of item-8 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
labour being used for collection of waste" whereas there existed no significant difference
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on this item existed between NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SE vs NW region of Shillong. The
mean scores indicated that maximum number of respondents from SW region utilized the
services of hired labour for disposal of household waste followed by SE region, NW region
and NE region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 2.03 to 2. 73, it
indicated that few respondents utilized the service of hired labour for the disposal of
household wastes. The data further revealed that people of Shillong have started using
hired labourers or engaged sweepers for collection of household waste from individual
houses. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in
the practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality"
partial acceptance of the hypothesis-! with respect to item-8 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Analysis of item-9 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW and SW vs NW. The mean scores indicated that quite a number
of respondents from NW region make use of the household waste as compost or manure
followed by SW region, NE region and SE region of Shillong. Since the mean item score
ranged from 2.41 to 2.94, it indicated that only a small number of respondents utilized the
solid waste generated from the household as compost or manure. This is because of their
love for kitchen garden and floriculture. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there
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exist no significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different
regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed only in case ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE
Item 10: Burning and Disposing of Plastic Materials and Polythene Bags along with
Household Waste:
Analysis of item-1 0 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores ofNE vs NW, SW vs SE and SW vs NW region of Shillong with respect
to "burning of disposable plastic materials and polythene bags along with household
waste" whereas there existed no significant difference on this item between NE vs SW, NE
vs SE and SE vs NW region of Shillong. The mean scores indicated that a sizeable number
of respondents from NW region bum and dispose plastic materials and polythene bags
along with household waste followed by SE region, NE region and SW region of Shillong.
Since the mean item score ranged from 1.36 to 3.85, it indicated that a sizeable number of
households bum and dispose plastic materials and polythene bags along with household
waste. The data further revealed that people of Shillong perhaps adopted this practice
because of their lack of knowledge or awareness about the disastrous effects of burning
plastics. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in
the practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality"
indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item- I 0 of the solid
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Item 11: Burning and Disposing of Paper Materials and Newspapers along with
Household Waste:
Analysis of item-11 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores of SW vs SE region of Shillong on "burning and disposing of paper and
newspapers along with household waste" whereas there existed no significant difference
on this item between NE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs NW, and SE vs NW. The
mean scores indicated that a sizeable number of respondents from NE region bum and
dispose paper and newspaper materials along with household waste followed by SE region,
NW region and SW region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.12 to
3.38, it indicated that a sizeable number of households bum and dispose paper and
newspaper materials along with household waste. The data further revealed that people of
Shillong perhaps adopt this practice because of their lack of knowledge or awareness about
the usefulness of recycling used papers. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there
exist no significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different
regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed only in case ofNE vs SW, NE vs SE, NE
the hypothesis- I with respect to item-11 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 12: Biodegradable and Non biodegradable Wastes are collected Separately:
Analysis of item-12 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
Non biodegradable wastes are collected separately" whereas there existed no significant
difference on this item between NE vs SE, NE vs NW, SW vs NW, and SE vs NW. The
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mean scores indicated that a small number of respondents from SW region separate the
biodegradable and non biodegradable wastes before disposing off the waste from the
household followed by SE region, NW region and NE region of Shillong. Since the mean
item score ranged from 2.60 to 3.02, it indicated that biodegradable and non-
biodegradable waste separation is yet to develop in the cultural habits of the people. People
usually do not practice this method because of lack of knowledge, awareness and also
because of its inconvenience. Hence the hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different regions
NW, and SE vs NW region of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-
Analysis of item-13 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
"hazardous waste are kept in separate storage containers at home" whereas there existed no
mean scores indicated that a few number of respondents from SW region separate
hazardous waste and store it in separate storage containers at home before disposing off the
waste from the household followed by NW region, NE region and SE region of Shillong.
Since the mean item score ranged from 3.22 to 2.34, it indicated that hazardous waste are
kept in separate storage containers at home as separation method is yet to develop in the
habits of the respondents. People usually do not practice this method because of lack of
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knowledge, awareness and also because of its inconvenience of having separate dustbin or
container for biodegradable, non biodegradable and hazardous wastes. Hence the
hypothesis-! which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the practices of
solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed
partial acceptance of the hypothesis-! with respect to item-13 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Item 14: Grass Clippings, Fallen Leaves, Plants, Flowers etc are left for Decay in the
Backyard:
Analysis of item-14 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
on "grass clippings, fallen leaves, plants, flowers etc are left for decay in the backyard"
NW region of Shillong. The mean scores indicated that quite a substantial number of
respondents from NW region use the grass clippings, fallen leaves, plants, flowers etc for
decay in their backyard of their houses. This number is followed by SE region, NE region
and SW region of Shillong. Since the mean item score ranged from 2.72 to 3.68, it
indicated that grass clippings, fallen leaves, plants, flowers etc are left to decay in the
backyard of the respondents was slowly picking up. This may be attributed to the fact that
the decayed leaves, grass clippings, plants and flowers are used for manuring the kitchen
garden and for floriculture in the individual houses. This also reduces the burden of
throwing the waste either in the community bin or at any other place. Hence the
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hypothesis- I which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the practices of
solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed
acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item-14 of the solid waste management
system.
Analysis of item-15 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores ofNE vs SW region and NE vs SE region of Shillong on "door to door
of Shillong. The mean scores indicated that quite a substantial number of respondents from
NE and NW region are of the opinion that door to door collection of waste is practiced in
not feel about the adequacy of door to door collection of solid waste in the neighbourhood
.Since the mean item score ranged from 2.70 to 3.37, it indicated that door to door
Collection of waste although practiced in some of the neighborhoods, the respondents were
not satisfied with the service delivery system. Hence the hypothesis-! which stated that
"there exist no significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the
different regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed only in case ofNE vs NW, SW
the hypothesis- I with respect to item-IS of the Solid Waste Management system.
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Item 16: Throwing of Old Clothes with the Garbage:
Analysis of item-16 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
"throwing of old clothes in the garbage" whereas there existed no significant difference on
scores indicated that quite a substantial number of respondents from SE region throw old
clothes with the garbage and this is followed by NE, NW and SW region of Shillong. Since
the mean item score ranged from 3.19 to 3. 74, it indicated that throwing of old clothes
along with the waste is a usual common practice among the citizens of Shillong. Hence the
hypothesis-! which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the practices of
solid waste management in. the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was confirmed
partial acceptance of the hypothesis-! with respect to item-16 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Item 17: Non-biodegradable Waste are Handed Over/Disposed through Rag Pickers:
Analysis of item-17 revealed that there exist no significant differences between the
rag pickers". The mean scores indicated that quite a few number of respondents from all
these four regions hand over the non-biodegradable waste to the rag pickers. Since the
mean item score ranged from 2.66 to 3.01, it indicated that a marginal number of the
respondents hand over the non-biodegradable waste to the rag pickers. It also indicated that
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it was not the usual practice to hand over the non biodegradable wastes to the rag pickers
as the rag pickers are discouraged to enter into the house premises. The rag pickers picked
up the non- biodegradable wastes from the community bin or from the outside collection
point. Also they picked up the non-biodegradable waste from roads or from the drains.
Hence the hypothesis-} which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong Municipality" was
NW region of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item-
Analysis of item-18 revealed that there exist no significant differences between the
NW region of Shillong with respect to "making an effort to reduce waste generation at the
household level". The mean scores indicated that quite a sizeable number of respondents
from these entire four regions make an effort to reduce waste generation at the household
level. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.53 to 3.84, it indicated that most of the
respondents try to reduce waste generation at the household level. It also indicated the
civic consciousness of the people of Shillong at the household level. Further the data
revealed that the people of Shillong are more conscious about the cleanliness and hygiene
in the house. Hence the hypothesis-1 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different regions of Shillong
Analysis of item-19 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
shopping bag to the market place" whereas there existed no significant difference on this
item between NE vs SW and SE vs NW region of Shillong. The mean scores indicated that
maximum number of respondents from NW region carry their own shopping bags to the
Shillong. This indicated that the people of Shillong are aware of the importance of carrying
their own shopping bags to the market place. This also lessens their dependence on plastic
materials and polythene bags. However, it was observed that sometimes people do venture
into the markets without any shopping bags. This is done especially when there is urgency
or when less quantity of the items are required to be purchased. Again the shopkeepers are
not averse to give polythene bags to their customers as and when required. Since the mean
item score ranged from 3.99 to 4.40, it is obvious that people do carry their own jute bag or
paper bag to the market. Hence the hypothesis-! which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the practices of solid waste management in the different regions
of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis- I with respect to item-19 of
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4.2 Main Findings Objective No.2:
The item wise analysis of objective-2 comprising of 16 items that was "to study the
perception of people with regard to the management of household solid wastes in terms of
generation, collection, segregation and disposal" revealed the following trends with respect
to the difference in perception of the respondents viz. Lower Income Group (LIG), Middle
Income Group (MIG) and Higher Income Group (HIG) of Shillong. The items have been
studied with reference to the income groups of the respondents. For the purpose of the
study, all respondents from the four regions were divided into three categories viz. Lower
income Group (LIG), Middle Income Group (MIG) and Higher Income Group (HIG)
household " between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG as evident from analysis
of the mean item scores of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that
there was no difference in the perception level of the respondents from all the three income
groups about the disposal of solid waste as problematic to them. The mean item scores
indicated that higher income respondents feel solid waste disposal to be more problematic
than middle and lower income group. This was evident from the status of the HIG
respondents as compared to that of the middle income group and lower income group.
Since the mean item score ranged from 2.16 to 2.50, it indicated the minimum problem the
respondents face for solid waste disposal. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there
exist no significant differences in the perception of people with respect to the management
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of household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was
confirmed in case LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of
..
the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-20 of the Solid Waste Management System.
Item 21: Distance ofthe Dumping Site for Disposal of Household Waste:
perception of the respondents on "distance of the dumping site for disposal of household
waste" between MIG vs HIG, as evident from analysis of the mean item scores of MIG vs
HIG, and LIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no significant difference in the perception
level of the respondents from the above mentioned income groups about the distance of the
dumping site for disposal of household wastes for the disposal of solid waste as
problematic to them. Further the data revealed that there existed significant differences of
perception between LIG vs MIG and LIG vs HIG on this item. This indicated that these
two groups were of different opinion about the distance of the dumping site for the
generated solid waste. The mean item scores indicated that HIG respondents feel the
distance of the dumping site of the household waste is more difficult to reach rather than
the MIG and LIG group. Since the mean item score ranged from 2.21 to 2.95, it indicated
that the respondents face a minimal problem for Solid waste disposal at the appropriate
dumping site in the community. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no
household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was
confirmed in case of MIG vs HIG, indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2
perception of the respondents on "solid waste should be segregated at the household level"
between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG as evident from analysis of the mean
item scores of LIG vs MIG, and LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG .. It revealed that there was
no significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the three
mentioned income groups about the segregation of solid waste at the household level.
Since the mean item score ranged from 3.60 to 3.70, it indicated that people do try to
segregate the wastes before its disposal. The mean item scores indicated that people
segregate the wastes which are of market value and which are taken by the kabaariwalas.
The wastes which are segregated are usually the waste papers and bottles as they have
market value. However the wastes which are of no market value are not segregated before
disposing off at the dumping site or the community bin. Hence the hypothesis~2 which
stated that "there exist no significant differences in the perception of people with respect to
and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG
indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-22 of the Solid Waste
Management System.
practicable" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG as evident from analysis
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of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, and LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that
there was no significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the three
mentioned income groups about the banning of plastic bags at source of production. Since
the mean item score ranged from 3.45 to 3.80, it indicated that people are in favour of
banning of plastic bags at source of production rather than enforcing the law on the people
not to use the plastic bags. In fact plastic bags when available in the market, people find it
more convenient to use them. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no
household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was
confirmed in case LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of
the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-23 ofthe Solid Waste Management System.
level" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG as evident from analysis of the
mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was
no significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the three
mentioned income groups about the reduction in generation of waste at the household
level. Since the mean item score ranged from 3.91 to 3.95, it indicated that people are in a
positive state of mind to reduce the generation of waste at the household level. In fact this
is not a real preposition, but once effort is made to segregate the waste into bio-gradable,
non biodegradable and toxic wastes at the household level, ultimately the waste generation
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would be reduced. Reuse of good quality plastics and papers can also reduce the amount of
waste. Waste reduction at source also means the use of biodegradable waste as manure for
useful purposes. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the perception of people with respect to the management of household solid
waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case
ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG, and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis
educational intervention" between LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as evident from analysis
of the mean item scores of LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no
significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the two above
mentioned income groups about the Waste generation can be reduced significantly by
educational intervention Further the data revealed that there existed significant differences
of perception between LIG vs MIG on this item. This indicated that LIG and MIG groups
were having different perception on whether waste generation can be reduced significantly
by educational intervention than the LIG Group. Since the mean item score ranged from
3.81 to 4.19, it indicated that the people are in favour of educational intervention for
reduction of solid waste. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no
household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was
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confirmed in case ofLIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the partial acceptance ofthe
Item 26: Proper Handling and Collection of Waste require Cooperation from Public:
extensive cooperation from the public" between the mean scores of LIG vs HIG and MIG
vs HIG as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. Again the mean scores revealed
that there existed significant differences in the perception of the respondents on "proper
handling and collection of waste require extensive cooperation from the public" between
the mean scores of LIG vs MIG. The mean item score varied from 4.163 to 4.390 from
LIG to MIG. It indicated that MIG respondents feel that proper handling and collection of
waste require extensive cooperation from the public than HIG and LIG respondents.
Hence, the hypothesis which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
perception of people on solid waste management amongst different income groups" was
confirmed in case of LIG vs HIG and MIG vs IDG respondents of Shillong indicating
partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-26 of the Solid Waste
Management System.
perception of the respondents on "people are aware ofthe usefulness of recycling ofwaste
products" between LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as evident from analysis of the mean
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item scores of LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no significant
difference in the perception level of the respondents from the two above mentioned income
groups about the awareness of the usefulness of recycling of waste products. Further the
data revealed that there existed significant differences of perception between LIG vs MIG
on this item. This indicated that LIG vs MIG groups were having difference in perception
about awareness ofthe usefulness of recycling of waste products than the IDG Group. The
mean item score ranged from 3.11 to 3.53, and it is just above the average mean. It
indicated that the people are not much aware of the usefulness of recycling of waste
products. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences
in the perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in
terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs
IDG and MIG vs HIG indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to
Item 28: Values and Attitudes of People with regard to Solid Waste Management:
perception of the respondents on "values and attitudes of people have not changed with
regard to solid waste management over the years" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs IDG and
MIG vs HIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs
HIG and MIG vs IDG. It revealed that there was no significant difference in the perception
level of the respondents from all the three mentioned income groups about the values and
attitudes of people have not changed with regard to SWM. The mean item score ranged
from 2.41 to 2.80 which are below the average mean. It indicated that the values and
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attitudes of people have not changed with regard to solid waste management over the
years. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in
the perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms
of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG,
LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to
Item 29: Solid Waste Generation and Handling in the Slum Areas is Alarming:
perception of the respondents on "solid waste generation and handling in the slum areas is
alarming" between LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean
item scores of LIG vs RIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no significant
difference in the perception level of the respondents from the two mentioned income
groups about the solid waste generation and handling in the slum areas is alarming. Also
the data revealed that there existed significant differences in the mean item scores between
LIG vs MIG. The mean item score ranged from 3.91 to 4.20 which are much above the
average mean. It indicated that the solid waste generation and handling in the slum areas
has reached an alarming proportion. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist
household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was
confirmed in case ofLIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the partial acceptance ofthe
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Item 30: One should Pay for the Disposal of Garbage:
perception of the respondents on "One should pay for the disposal of garbage" between
LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs RIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean item
scores of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed that there was no
significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from all the three
mentioned income groups about the willingness for payment for the disposal of garbage.
Again, the mean item score ranged from 3.00 to 3.32 which are just above the mean. It
indicated that the willingness to pay for the disposal of garbage was more profound in case
of MIG rather than the LIG and RIG respondents. Among all the groups the RIG
respondents was more reluctant to pay for the disposal of the garbage. Hence the
hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the perception of
people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms of generation,
collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs RIG
and MIG vs RIG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-30 of
Item 31: Waste Products from the Household should be collected for Recycling after
Segregation:
perception of the respondents on "waste products from the household should be collected
for recycling after segregation" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as
evident from the analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs RIG and MIG vs
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HIG. It revealed that there was no significant difference in the perception level of the
respondents from all the three mentioned income groups about the waste products from the
household should be collected for recycling after segregation. Again, the mean item score
ranged from 3.55 to 3.63. It indicated that MIG group were in favour of "waste products
from the household should be collected for recycling after segregation" than LIG and IDG
group. Further the awareness level of the MIG was higher than that ofLIG and MIG about
the recycling of wastes after segregation. Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there
exist no significant differences in the perception of people with respect to the management
of household solid waste in terms of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was
confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance
of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-31 of the Solid Waste Management system.
the respondents on "the locality has a proper system of garbage disposal" between MIG vs
HIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores of MIG vs HIG. It revealed that
there was significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from the two
mentioned income groups about the locality has a proper system of garbage disposal. Also
the data revealed that there existed no significant differences in the mean item scores
between LIG vs MIG and LIG vs HIG. The mean item score ranged from 2.87 to 3.30. It
indicated that the locality has yet to develop a proper system of garbage disposal. Hence
the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the perception
of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms of generation,
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collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG and LIG vs
HIG indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-32 of the
waste" between LIG vs MIG, as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG
and MIG. It revealed that there was significant difference in the perception level of the
respondents from the two mentioned income groups about the consumer lifestyle is
responsible for more generation of waste. Also the data revealed that there existed no
significant differences in the mean item scores between LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. The
mean item score ranged from 1.94 to 3.35. It indicated that the lower income group feels
that HIG and MIG were more responsible for the generation of waste because of their
lifestyle. Hence the hypothesis-2 which states that "there exist no significant differences in
the perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms
of generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs HIG
and MIG vs HIG indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to item-
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Item 34: Neighbours are very much concerned about Solid Waste Disposal Problem
in your Locality:
perception of the respondents on "neighbours are very much concerned about solid waste
disposal problem in your locality" between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as
evident from the analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs
HIG. It revealed that there was no significant difference in the perception level of the
respondents from all the three mentioned income groups about neighbours are very much
concerned about solid waste disposal problem in the locality. Again, the mean item score
ranged from 3.20 to 3.46. It indicated that the perception level of the respondents vary
from MIG to LIGand the perception level of MIG was higher than that ofLIG and HIG on
'neighbours are very much concerned about solid waste disposal problem in your locality'.
Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms of
generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG,
LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to
sufficient "between LIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG, as evident from the
analysis of the mean item scores ofLIG vs MIG, LIG vs HIG and MIG vs HIG. It revealed
239
that there were no significant difference in the perception level of the respondents from all
the three mentioned income groups about the community bins provided in your locality is
sufficient. Again, the mean item score ranged from 2. 78 to 3.15. It indicated that the
perception level of the respondents vary from IDG to LIGand the perception level ofHIG
was higher than that of MIG and LIG on the community bins provided in your locality is
sufficient. The data revealed that all the three groups feel about the insufficiency of
community bins in the community although this was more profound in case ofLIG group.
Hence the hypothesis-2 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
perception of people with respect to the management of household solid waste in terms of
generation, collection, segregation and disposal" was confirmed in case of LIG vs MIG,
LIG vs HIG and MIG vs IDG indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-2 with respect to
The item wise analysis of objective-3 comprising of 10 items was "to study the role
of traditional Institutions in solid waste management" revealed the following trends with
respect to the difference in perception of the respondents viz. Illiterate vs upto High
School, Illiterate vs. Graduate, Illiterate vs. Post Graduate, upto High School vs. Graduate,
upto High School vs. Post Graduate, Graduate vs. Post Graduate respondents. The items
have been studied with reference to educational qualification of the respondents. For the
purpose of the study, all the respondents from the four divisions were divided into four
240
Item 36: The Dorbar Shnong take proper step for Disposal of Household Waste:
perception of the respondents on "the Dorbar Shnong take proper step for disposal of
Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs
Post Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. It
revealed that there was no difference in the perception level of the respondents from all the
four educational groups about the Dorbar Shnong taking proper steps for disposal of
household waste. The mean item score varied from 3.23 to 3.64 from High School passed
to Illiterate respondents. It indicated that illiterate respondents perceive better than Post
Graduate, Graduate and High School passed respondents on "the Dorbar Shnong taking
proper steps for disposal of household waste". Hence the hypotheses-3 which stated that
"there exist no significant differences in the opinion of educational groups with regard to
the role of Traditional Institutions on solid waste management was confirmed in case of
Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs
Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of
Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-3 with respect to item-36 of the Solid
Item 37: Strictures, Rules and Regulations of the Dorbar with regard to Solid Waste
Management is Appreciable:
perception of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the Dorbar with
241
regard to solid waste management is appreciable" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs
High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post graduate, High School vs Graduate,
and Graduate vs Post Graduate of Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item
scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference in the perception level of the
respondents from the above educational groups about the "strictures, rules and regulations
of the Dorbar with regard to solid waste management is appreciable". However, significant
differences in the opinion of the respondents was observed in case of High School vs Post
Graduate respondents on this item. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from
3.02 to 3.45 from Post Graduate respondents to High School passed respondents. It
indicated that High School passed respondents perceive better than Post Graduate,
Graduate and Illiterate respondents on "the Dorbar Shnong taking proper steps for disposal
of household waste". Hence the hypotheses-3 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the opinion of educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional
School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, and
Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the
Item 38: Strictures, Rules and Regulations of the Dorbar with regard to Solid Waste
Management is Strictly Enforced:
perception of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the Dorbar with
regard to solid waste management is strictly enforced" between the mean scores of
242
Illiterate vs High school, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post graduate and High School
vs Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident from analysis of their mean item scores . It
revealed that there were no difference in the perception l.evel of the respondents of the
above mentioned educational groups about the strictures, rules and regulations of the
Dorbar with regard to solid waste management is strictly enforced. Again it was found that
significant differences in perception with respect to strictures, rules and regulations of the
Dorbar with regard to solid waste management is strictly enforced exist between High
school vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents. Analysis of mean
item score revealed that the mean item score varied from 2.71 to 3.30 from Illiterate
respondents to High School passed respondents to. It indicated that High School passed
respondents perceive better than Post Graduate, Graduate and Illiterate respondents on
"strictures, rules and regulations of the Dorbar with regard to solid waste management is
strictly enforced". Hence the hypothesis-3 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the opinion of educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional
School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate and High School vs Graduate
respondents of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-3 with respect
perception of the respondents on "banning of plastic bags by local Dorbars is practicable "
between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs
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Post Graduate and High School vs Post Graduate respondents as evident from analysis of
the mean item scores . It revealed that there were no significant difference in the perception
level of the respondents of the above mentioned educational groups about the practicability
of banning of plastic bags by local Dorbars. Again it was found that significant difference
in perception with respect to 'banning of plastic bags by local Dorbars are practicable'
existed between High School vs Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents.
Analysis of mean item score revealed that the mean item score varies from 3.28 to 3. 81
perceive better than Post Graduate, Graduate and Illiterate respondents on "banning of
plastic bags by local Dorbars are practicable'. Hence the hypotheses 3 which states that
"there exist no significant differences in the opinion of educational groups with regard to
the role of Traditional Institutions on solid waste management" was confirmed in case of
Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate and High
School vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the
satisfactory" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate,
Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and
Graduate vs Post Graduate Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. It
revealed that there were insignificant difference in the perception level of the respondents
244
from six educational groups about the efficiency of locality cleaning by Dorbar Shnongs is
satisfactory. As seen from the data, the mean item score varies from 3.29 to 3.64 from
High School passed respondents to Illiterate respondents. It indicated that High School
respondents perceive better than Post Graduate, Graduate and Illiterate respondents on
3 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of educational
groups with regard to the role of Traditional Institutions on solid waste management" was
Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post
Item 41: Local Dorbars can play a Major Role in Solid Waste Management:
perception of the respondents on "local Dorbars can play a major role in solid waste
management" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs Graduate,
Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and
Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean
item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference in the perception level of
the respondents from six educational groups about the Local Dorbars can play a major role
in solid waste management. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 4.12 to
4.22 from high school passed respondents to iiiiterate respondents. It indicated that
Illiterate respondents perceive better than Post Graduate, Graduate and High School passed
245
respondents on "local Dorbars can play a major role in solid waste management". Hence
the hypotheses3 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of
educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional Institutions on solid waste
Illiterate vs Post graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post Graduate and
Item 42: Polybag Campaigns by NGOs and Local Dorbars have Significant effect on
Solid Waste Management:
perception of the respondents on "polybag campaigns by NGOs and local Dorbars have
significant effect on solid waste management" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs
High School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post graduate, High School vs Graduate,
High school vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate of Shillong as evident from
analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference in the
perception level of the respondents from six educational groups about the polybag
campaigns by NGOs and local Dorbars have significant effect on solid waste management.
As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 3. 21 to 3. 73 from Illiterate
perceive better than Graduate, High School passed respondents and Illiterate on "polybag
campaigns by NGOs and local Dorbars have significant effect on solid waste
management". Hence the hypothesis-3 which states that "there exist no significant
246
differences in the opinion of educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional
school, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High
School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating
the acceptance of the hypothesis-3 with respect to item-42 of the Solid Waste Management
system.
Item 43: The Local Dorbar should Work in close Coordination with the Government
and Other Agencies:
perception of the respondents on "the Local Dorbar should work in close coordination with
the Government and other agencies" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High School,
Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School
vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident from
analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference in the
perception level of the respondents from the above six educational groups about the "the
Local Dorbar should work in close coordination with the Government and other agencies".
As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 2.95 to 3.29 from Post Graduate
respondents to High School passed respondents. It indicated that High School passed
respondents perceive better than Illiterate, Graduate, and Post Graduate passed respondents
on "the Local Dorbar should work in close coordination with the Government and other
agencies". Hence the hypotheses-3 which stated that "there exist no significant differences
in the opinion of educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional Institutions on
247
solid waste management" was confirmed in case of Illiterate vs High School, Illiterate vs
Graduate, Illiterate vs Post graduate, High School vs Graduate, High School vs Post
Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating the acceptance
of the hypothesis-3 with respect to item-43 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 44: The Headman is the Appropriate Person to Inform about the Problem of
Solid Waste in the Locality:
perception of the respondents on "the headman is the appropriate person to inform about
the problem of solid waste in the locality" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs High
School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High
School vs Post Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong as evident
from analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant difference
in the perception level of the respondents from six educational groups about the "the
headman is the appropriate person to inform about the problem of solid waste in the
locality". As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 3. 71 to 4.20 from
respondents perceive better than Graduate, High School passed respondents and Illiterate
on "the headman is the appropriate person to inform about the problem of solid waste in
the locality". Hence the hypotheses-3 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the opinion of educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional
School, Illiterate vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, High School vs Graduate, High
248
School vs Post graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong indicating
the acceptance of the hypothesis-3 with respect to item-44 ofthe Solid Waste Management
System.
perception of the respondents on "a forum at the community level to manage garbage
problems is necessary" between the mean scores of Illiterate vs upto High School, Illiterate
vs Graduate, Illiterate vs Post Graduate, upto HS vs Graduate, upto High School vs Post
Graduate and Graduate vs Post Graduate respondents of Shillong. This signified that there
was no difference in the perception level of the respondents from all the four educational
groups about having a forum at the community level to manage garbage problems in the
community. The mean item score varied from 4.35 to 4.20. This implied that all the four
problems. Hence the Hypothesis-3 which stated that "there exist no significant differences
in the opinion of educational groups with regard to the role of Traditional Institutions on
solid waste management" was confirmed in case of Illiterate vs upto High School, Illiterate
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4.4 Main Findings Objective No.4
The item wise analysis of objective-4 comprising of 14 items was "to study the
method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern by the
Municipal Board". The testing of the hypothesis was done on the basis of the responses of
the respondents from slum, commercial, residential and hospital areas of Shillong, which
Item 46: Solid Waste Generated at Household Level is collected at Specific Intervals
as Fixed by the Municipality:
specific intervals as fixed by the Municipality" between the mean scores of Slum vs
analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were insignificant differences in the
perception level of the respondents from slum, commercial, residential and hospital areas
of Shillong about the solid waste generated at household level is collected at specific
intervals as fixed by the Municipality. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied
from 3.56 to 4.15 from Hospital area Residents to Commercial areas Residents. It indicated
that Municipality takes more care about Commercial areas followed by Residential areas,
Slum areas and lastly the Hospital areas. Perhaps Hospital areas accumulate more Hospital
wastes which are directly dumped in the drain or in the nearby stream. Hence the
hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the method of solid
250
waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board"
of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-46 of the
Item 47: Do you use the Services of the Municipal Truck for Disposal of Waste:
Commercial vs Residential area respondents on using the services of the Municipal truck
for the disposal of waste whereas significant differences in this item was found between
Shillong. The mean item score varied from 2.43 to 3.62 from Hospital are residents to
Slum area residents. It indicated that Slum area residents use the services of Municipal
truck for disposal of waste than Commercial, Residential and Hospital area residents.
Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern by the
Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential and
251
Item 48: Does the Municipality take Adequate Measures for Collection of Household
Waste:
perception of the respondents on "the Municipality takes adequate measures for collection
of household waste" between the mean scores of Slum vs Hospital and Commercial vs
Residential area respondents whereas significant difference was found between Slum vs
residents of Shillong on this item. The mean score varied from 2.33 to 3.46 from Hospital
to Commercial area respondents. This indicated that the Municipality takes adequate
measures for collection of household waste in commercial areas more than that of
Residential, Slum and Hospital areas. Hence, the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there
exist no significant differences in the method of solid waste management with respect to
disposal and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs
Hospital and Commercial vs Residential areas of Shillong indicating the partial acceptance
Slum vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital areas of Shillong whereas there exist
Commercial vs Hospital areas of Shillong on this item. As seen from the data, the mean
252
item score varied from 3.16 to 3. 90 from Hospital area residents to Commercial areas
residents. It indicated that Municipality Commercial area residents are more satisfied with
the method of disposal of waste by the municipal authority than Residential, Slum and
Hospital areas of Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal
and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs
Shillong indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-49 of the
satisfactory" between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential, Slum
Hospital areas of Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed
that there were insignificant differences in the perception level of the respondents from
Slum, Commercial, Residential and Hospital areas of Shillong about the "efficiency of
street cleaning by Municipality is satisfactory". As seen from the data, the mean item score
varies from 2.89 to 3.34 from Slum area residents to Commercial areas residents. It
indicated that Municipality takes more care about Commercial areas followed by
Residential areas, Hospitjl areas and lastly the Slum areas as for as street cleaning is
concerned. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no significant differences
253
in the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern
Item 51: The Shillong Municipality should have a Proper Sanitary Landfill:
perception of the respondents on "the Shillong municipality should have a proper sanitary
landfill" between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential and Slum
vs Hospital areas of Shillong whereas there existed no significant differences between the
hospital of Shillong on this item. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from
3.29 to 4.23 from Slum area residents to Hospital area residents. It indicated that majority
of respondents of all the areas are of the opinion that there exist a proper sanitary landfill
by the Shillong municipality. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal
and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of commercial vs
partial acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-51 of the Solid Wa9t~
Management system.
254
Item 52: The Construction of Incinerators by Municipality at selected Sites is
Necessary for Disposal of Waste:
necessary for disposal of waste" between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Slum
there existed significant differences the mean scores of Commercial vs Hospital, and
Residential, vs Hospital areas of Shillong on this item .. As seen from the data, the mean
item score varied from 2.96 to 3.84 from Hospital area residents to Commercial area
residents. It indicated that majority of respondents of all the areas are of the opinion that
there is a need for construction of incinerators at selected sites for proper disposal of
wastes. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in
the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern by
the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs residential,
Slum vs Hospital and Commercial vs Residential areas indicating the partial acceptance of
the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-52 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 53: The Municipal should have a Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment
Facility:
the respondents on "the Municipal should have a common bio-medical waste treatment
differences was found in case of Slum vs Residential and Slum vs Hospital areas of
255
Shillong. The mean item score ranged from 2.86 to 3.50 from Slum area residents to
Hospital area residents. It indicated that majority of respondents of all the areas are of the
opinion that there is a need for construction of incinerators at selected sites for proper
disposal of wastes. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and
utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs Commercial,
indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-53 of the Solid
Item 54: Municipality should Take Proper Measures and Steps in Recycling
Initiatives:
the respondents on "Municipality should take proper measures and steps in recycling
Residential whereas no significant difference existed between the mean scores of Slum vs
Analysis of the mean score revealed that it varied from 3.35 to 4.03. This revealed that
majority of the respondents are of the opinion that Municipality should take proper
measures and steps in recycling initiatives .This means that people of Shillong are aware of
the importance of recycling units. Hence the hypothesis-4 which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the method of solid waste management with respect to disposal
and utilization pattern by the Municipal Board" was confirmed in case of Slum vs
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Residential, Slum vs Hospital, Commercial vs Hospital and Residential vs Hospital areas
indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to item-54 of the Solid
Analysis of item-55 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the perception
of the respondents on "non- Municipal areas have no proper mechanism of waste disposal"
between the mean scores of Slum vs Commercial, Slum vs Residential, Slum vs Hospital,
Shillong as evident from analysis of the mean item scores. It revealed that there were
Residential and Hospital areas of Shillong about the non-Municipal areas have no proper
mechanism ofwaste disposal. As seen from the data, the mean item score varied from 3.53
to 4.03 from residential area residents to hospital areas residents. This revealed that the
people of all the areas are in favour of having proper mechanisms for waste disposal.
Hence the hypotheses-4 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
method of solid waste management with respect to disposal and utilization pattern by the
Hospital residents of Shillong indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-4 with respect to
257
Item 56: The Municipality has taken Adequate Initiative for Garbage Disposal in the
Locality:
The analysis of item-56 shows that there exist significant differences in the
perception of the respondents on 'the municipality has taken adequate initiative for garbage
disposal in the locality' between Slum vs Residential area respondents as evident from
their mean item scores. The data further reveled that there exists no significant differences
in the opinion of the respondents on 'the municipality has taken adequate initiative for
of Shillong as evident from the analysis of their mean item scores. Further the mean item
score varied from 2.73 to 3.28 from Slum areas to Residential areas. This means the
municipality takes adequate measures for the disposal of garbage in residential areas than
hospital, commercial and slum areas of Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-4 which states that
258
Item 57: Response of Municipal Authority to Complaints about Waste Disposal is
Satisfactory:
The analysis of item-57 shows that there exist no significant differences in the
residents of Shillong as evident from the analysis of their mean item scores Further the
mean item score varied from 2.60 to 2.95 from Residential areas to Hospital areas. This
means that complaints are received more favorably in Hospital areas than Slum,
Commercial and Residential areas. Hence the hypothesis 4 which states that "there exist no
and Residential areas on solid waste management by the Municipality" on item-57 was
of Shillong indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-4 with respect to item-57 of the solid
Item 58: The Collection and Disposal of Solid Waste by Municipality in Slum Areas is
more Problematic:
The analysis of item-58 shows that there exist no significant differences in the
Residential vs Hospital residents of Shillong as evident from the analysis of their mean
259
item scores Further the mean item score varied from 3.100 to 3.458 from Hospital areas
to Residential areas. This means that collection and disposal of solid waste is more
problematic in Slum areas as felt by the residential area respondents than Slum,
Commercial and Hospital area residents. Hence the hypothesis 4 which states that "there
Hospital and Residential areas on solid waste management by the Municipality" on item-
of Shillong indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-4 with respect to item-58 of the solid
Item 59: The Shillong Municipality does not have Adequate Provision for Ensuring
Appropriate Solid Waste Management:
The analysis of item-59 shows that there exist no significant differences in the
perception of the respondents on 'the Shillong municipality does not have adequate
the analysis of their mean item scores. The data further reveled that there exists significant
Shillong as evident from the analysis of their mean item scores. Further the mean item
score varied from 2.76 to 4.00 from Hospital areas to slum areas. This means that the
respondents of Hospital areas feel that the Shillong municipality does not have adequate
260
provision for appropriate solid waste management and it was felt more by the Slum area
Shillong. Hence the hypothesis 4 which states that "there exist no significant differences in
the opinion of the respondents of Slum, Commercial, Hospital and Residential areas on
solid waste management by the Municipality" on item-59 was confirmed in case of Slum
partial acceptance of hypothesis-4 with respect to item-59 of the solid waste management
system.
The item wise analysis of objective-S comprising of 09 items that was "to study
the existing strictures, rules, and regulations, environmental planning, coordination, IEC
components and other institutional arrangements for solid waste management at the
Governmental level" revealed the following trends with respect to the differences of
Item 60: Strictures, Rules and Regulations of the Government with regard to Solid
Waste Management is Appreciable:
the Male and Female respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the government
with regard to solid waste management is appreciable" as evident from the analysis of
mean items scores. Further the mean item scores indicated that Female respondents
appreciated the strictures, rules and regulations of the government with regard to solid
261
waste management more than that of the Male respondents. The mean item score varied
from 3.190 to 3 .497. It indicated that the appreciability of strictures, rules and regulations
are more in case of Females than the Males. Hence the hypothesis-5 which stated that
"there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the
government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age
group" was rejected in case of Male vs Female respondents with respect to item-60 of the
Again, analysis of item-60 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the government with
regard to solid waste management is appreciable" as evident from the analysis of mean
item scores of respondents ofless than 35 years vs 35-55 years, less than 35 years vs above
55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years. The mean item scores indicated that the
strictures, rules and regulations of the government with regard to solid waste management
is appreciated more by the respondents of less than 35 years followed by 35-55 years and
above 55 years respectively. However, the mean item s<;ores ranged from 3.241 to 3.492.
This indicated that the responds do appreciate the strictures, rules and regulations of the
government with regard to solid waste management to an appreciable extent. Hence the
hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the
respondents on the role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the
respondent's sex and age group", was confirmed in case of respondents of less than 35
years vs 35-55 years, less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55
years indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-5 with respect to item-60 of the Solid
opinion of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the government with
respondents as evident from analysis ofthe mean item scores. It revealed that there existed
rules and regulations of the government with regard to solid waste management. Since the
mean item score ranged from 2.742 to 3.206, the respondents opinion about enforcement
of strictures, rules and regulations of the government is not appropriate. Hence, the
hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the
respondents on the role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the
respondent's sex and age group" was not confirmed in case of Male vs Female respondents
indicating the rejection of the hypothesis-5 with respect to item-61 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
perception of the respondents on "strictures, rules and regulations of the government with
regard to solid waste management is strictly enforced" between respondents of less than
35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years as evident from the analysis
of the mean item scores of respondent of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years, less than 35
years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years. It revealed that there were no
263
than 35 years vs above 55 years and respondents of 35-55 years vs above than 55 years.
respondents ofless than 35 years vs 35-55 years age group. The mean item scores ranged
from 3.098 to 2.821. This indicated that the enforcement of strictures, rules and regulations
are not enforced to the desired extent. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "strictures,
rules and regulations of the government with regard to SWM is strictly enforced" was
confirmed in case of respondents of less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years
vs above 55 years whereas it was not confirmed in case of respondents of less than 35
years vs 35-55 years indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis-5 with regard to item-
Item 62: People should be Penalized for Violating Government Rules and Norms with
regard to Solid Waste:
Analysis of item-62 revealed that there exist significant differences between the
mean item scores of Male vs Female on "people should be penalized for violating
Government rules and norms with regard to solid waste management". The mean item
score varied from 3.84 to 4.08 from Female to Male respondents. The analysis of mean
item score showed that Male respondents are in favour of penalties rather than the Female
respondents. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on solid waste
management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was rejected in case of
Male vs Female respondents with respect to item-62 of the Solid Waste Management
system.
264
Again analysis of item-62 revealed that there existed no significant differences in
the opinion of the respondents on "people should be penalized for violating Government
rules and norms with regard to solid waste management" as evident from the analysis of
mean item scores of respondents ofless than 35 years vs 35-55 years, less than 35-55 years
vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years. The mean item scores ranged from
3.92 to 3.98. This indicated that respondents of different age groups are in favour of
impositions of penalties for violating government rules and norms with regard to solid
waste management. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant
differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on solid waste
management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was accepted in case of
opinion of Male and Female respondents on "banning of plastic bags by the government is
appreciable" as evident from the analysis of mean item scores of Male vs Female
respondents. The mean item scores indicated that Male respondents are more in favour of
banning plastic bags rather than Female employees. Hence the hypothesis-5 which stated
that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of
the government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's Sex and Age
group" was accepted in case of Male vs Female respondents with respect to itern-63 of the
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Again the analysis of item-63 revealed that there exist no significant differences in
the opinion of the respondents of different age groups on "banning of plastic bags by the
respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years, less than 35 years vs above 55 years and
35-55 years vs above above than 55 years. The mean item scores revealed that all the age
group. under the study are in favour of banning plastic bags by the government. Hence, the
hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the
respondents on the role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the
respondent's sex and age group" was accepted in case of respondents ofless than 35 years
vs 35-55 years, less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above than 55
Item 64: Government Solid Waste Management Plans is in Accordance with its
Priorities for the Environment:
opinion of the Male and Female respondents on "government solid waste management
plans is in accordance with its priorities for the government" as evident from the analysis
of mean item scores of Male vs Female. The mean item scores revealed the Male
respondents opine that the government solid waste management plans is in accordance
with its priorities for the environment than the Female respondents. Hence, the hypothesis-
5 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents
on the role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's
266
sex and age group" was accepted in case of Male vs Female respondents with respect to
Again analysis of item-64 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of respondents ofless than 35 years vs 35-55 years and respondents of35-55 years
vs above 55 years on "government solid waste management plans is in accordance with its
priorities for the government" whereas significant differences in the opinion existed
between respondents of less than 35 years vs above 55 years on this item. The mean item
scores ranged from 3.464 to 2.929. This indicated that respondents of less than 35 years
see that government solid waste management plans are in accordance with its priorities for
the environment than respondents of 35-55 years age group and above 55 years age group.
Hence the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on solid waste management with
respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was partially accepted with respect to item-
departments of the government in solid waste management" as evident from the analysis of
mean item scores. The mean item scores revealed that the Female respondents are more
solid waste management rather the Male respondents. Hence the hypothesis-5, which
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stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the
role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex
and age group", was accepted with respect to item-65 of the Solid Waste Management
system.
Again analysis of item-65 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
less than 35 years vs above 55 years and respondents of 35-55 years vs above 55 years
whereas significant differences in the opinion existed between respondents of less than 35
years vs 35-55 years on this item. The mean item scores ranged from 3.021 to 3.344. This
indicated that respondents of less than 35 years feel that there existed lack of coordination
among different departments of the government in SWM more than respondents of above
55 years and 35-55 years age group. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist
no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government
on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was
partially accepted with respect to item-65 of the Solid Waste Management system.
Item 66: Government should Educate, Train and Create Awareness on Solid Waste
Management:
opinion of Male vs Female respondents on "government should educate, train and create
awareness on solid waste management". The mean item scores revealed that the Male
respondents are more in favour of education, training and awareness on solid waste
268
management rather than Female respondents although there were no significant variations
in opinions between them. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on
solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was accepted
Again analysis of item-66 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55
years on "government should educate, train and create awareness on solid waste
management " whereas significant differences in the opinion of the respondents of less
than 35 years vs above 55 years was inferred as evident from the mean item scores of
different age groups on this item. As the mean item scores ranged from 3.16 to 3.69, all the
different age groups are of the opinion that people should be educated, trained and made
aware on management of solid wastes. Hence, the hypothesis which stated that "there exist
no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government
on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was
confirmed in case of respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years and 35-55 years vs
above 55 years whereas it was rejected in case of respondents of less than 35 years vs
above 3 5 years indicating the partial acceptance of the hypothesis-5 with respect to item-66
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Item 67: Privatization not a Priority of the Government with regard to Solid Waste
Management:
The analysis of item-67 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
with regard to solid waste management " as evident from the analysis of mean item scores
for this item. Further, the Male respondents feel it more in a stronger way than the Female
respondents although there were no significant variations in the mean item scores of Male
and Female respondents. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no
significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on
solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was accepted
Again analysis of item-67 revealed that there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years, ofless than 35 years vs above
55 years and of 35-55 years vs above 55 years on "privatization not a priority of the
government with regard to solid waste management" as evident from the analysis of mean
item scores of different age group. Further the mean item scores ranged from 3.52 to 3.64.
It indicated that all the different age groups were of the opinion that privatization was not a
priority of the government with regard to solid waste management. Hence the hypothesis-5
which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents
on the role of the government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's
sex and age group" was accepted in case of respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55
years, less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35 -55 years vs above 55 years with respect
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Jtem 68: The State should collect Taxes with regard to Solid Waste Management:
opinion of Male and Female respondents on "the state should collect taxes with regard to
solid waste management" as evident from the analysis of mean item scores. As the mean
ranged from 4.08 to 4.29, both the category of respondents are in favour of state to collect
taxes on management of solid wastes. Hence, the hypothesis-5 which stated that the "there
exist no significant differences in the opinion of the respondents on the role of the
government on solid waste management with respect to the respondent's sex and age
group" was accepted with respect to Male vs Female respondents with respect to item-68
Again analysis of item-68 revealed that there existed significant differences in the
opinion of the respondents of less than 35 years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs
above 55 years on "the state should collect taxes with regard to solid waste management"
as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores whereas there existed no significant
differences in the opinion of the respondents of less than 35 years vs 35-55 years on this
item. The mean item scores for this item ranged from 3. 76 to 4.26. It indicated that
respondents of less than 35 years were in a positive frame of mind to pay taxes with
respect to solid waste management than respondents of 35-55 years and above 55 years.
Hence the hypothesis-5 which stated that "there exist no significant differences in the
opinion of the respondents on the role of the government on solid waste management with
respect to the respondent's sex and age group" was accepted in case of respondents of less
than 35 years vs 35-55 years whereas it was rejected in case ofrespondents of less than 35
271
years vs above 55 years and 35-55 years vs above 55 years indicating the partial
acceptance of the hypothesis with respect to item-68 on Solid Waste Management system.
The item wise analysis of objective-6 comprising of 11 items was "to assess the
overall state of environment with respect to sanitation and health of the community". The
testing of the hypothesis was done on the basis of the responses of the respondents viz.
type of families and occupational groups. The main findings are as under:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "control of pests and
vectors is a problem in your locality" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores.
Further as the mean score ranged from 2.37 to 2.62, it revealed that the magnitude of the
problem of pests and vectors are comparatively less. Hence the hypothesis which stated
that "there existed no significant differences in the opinion of different families on solid
waste management with respect to the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed
indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-69 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
opinion ofthe respondents on "control of pests and vectors is a problem in the locality" on
analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government
Professional vs Other employees. It revealed that there was no difference of opinion of the
different category of employees on control of pest and vectors as a problem in the locality
in which they live. Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied
from 2. 00 to 2.46. This indicated that the problem of vectors and pests are minimal in the
different localities of Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no
Analysis of item-70 revealed that there exist significant differences in the opinion
of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "door to door collection of
garbage is environmentally sound" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores.
Further as the mean score ranged from 3.24 to 3.62, it revealed that respondents of both
nuclear and joint families are in favour of door to door collection of garbage and they feel
that it is nevertheless environmentally sound although the variations of mean item scores
are significant. Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant
differences in the opinion of different families on solid waste management with respect to
the state of environment in Shillong" was not confirmed indicating the rejection of the
sound" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz.
Professional vs Other employees. It revealed that there was no difference of opinion of the
sound". Again the mean item scores ofthe different occupational groups varied from 3.26
to 3.38. This indicated that people of different occupational groups are in favour of door to
door collection of garbage and they feel that this would make the environment clean.
Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "the community
storage system is an eyesore" as evident from the analysis ofthe mean item scores. Further
as the mean score ranged from 2.60 to 2.65, it revealed that respondents of both nuclear
and joint families are of clear opinion that the community storage system is an eyesore.
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Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant differences in the
opinion of different families on solid waste management with respect to the state of
their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government vs Private
that there was difference of opinion of the different category of employees on "the
community storage system is an eye shore. Again the mean item scores of the different
occupational groups varied from 2.35 to 3.00. This indicated that people of different
occupational groups are of the unanimous opinion that the community storage system is an
eyesore. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences
Item 72: Lack of Concern about Overall Quality of the Environment is Conspicuous:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "lack of concerns
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about the quality of the environment is conspicuous" as evident from the analysis of the
mean item scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 2.21 to 2.27, it revealed that
respondents of both nuclear and joint families are of clear opinion that there is clear-cut
lack of concern about the quality of environment in Shillong among the Shillongites.
Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant differences in the
opinion of different families on solid waste management with respect to the state of
opinion of the respondents on "lack of concern about overall quality of the environment is
conspicuous" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups
employees and Professional vs Other employees. It revealed that there was no difference of
opinion of the different category of employees on "lack of concerns about overall quality
of the environment is conspicuous". Again the mean item scores of the different
occupational groups varied from 2.19 to 2.27. This indicated that people of different
occupational groups are least conspicuous about the overall quality of environment of
Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences
276
Professional vs Other employees indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "rag picking and
scavenging is matter of concern" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores.
Further as the mean score ranged from 2.50 to 2.71, it revealed that respondents of both
nuclear and joint families are of less concern with respect to rag picking and scavenging.
Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant differences in the
opinion of different families on solid waste management with respect to the state of
analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government
Private vs Professional employees. It revealed that there was difference of opinion of the
Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied from 2. 00 to 2. 71.
This indicated that people of different occupational groups are of less concern about rag
277
picking and scavenging". Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no
indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis 6 with respect to item-73 ofthe Solid Waste
Management system.
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "loading wastes into
trucks is slow and unhygienic" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores.
Further as the mean score ranged from 3.10 to 3.30, it revealed that respondents of both
nuclear and joint families are concerned about the manner of loading and unhygienic
process of loading in the municipal trucks. Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there
indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-6 with respect to item-74 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
opinion of the respondents on "loading wastes into trucks is slow and unhygienic" on
analysis oftheir mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government
different category of employees on "loading of wastes into trucks is slow and unhygienic".
Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied from 3. 10 to 3. 35.
This indicated that people of different occupational groups are in favour of the preposition
that loading of wastes into trucks is slow and also unhygienic. Hence the hypothesis-6
which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the opinion of different
indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-74 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
Item 75: Indiscriminate Disposal of Waste has not created any Health Hazards in the
Community:
disposal of waste has not created any health hazards in the community" as evident from the
analysis of the mean item scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 1.48 to 1.57, it
revealed that respondents of both nuclear and joint families are not concerned about the
health hazards of indiscriminate disposal of wastes. Hence the hypothesis which stated that
"there existed no significant differences in the opinion of different families on solid waste
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indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-6 with respect to item-75 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
opinion of the respondents on "indiscriminate disposal of waste has not created any health
hazards in the community" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different
occupational groups viz. Private vs Others and Professional employees vs Other employees
Private vs Professional employees. It revealed that there was difference of opinion of the
Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied from 2.10 to 1.43.
This indicated that people of different occupational groups are not aware of the evil effects
of indiscriminate disposal of waste. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists
Other employees indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-75
Item 76: Protection of the Environment and Health of People in Solid Waste
Management is the responsibility of concerned Authorities:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "protection of the
environment and health of the people in solid waste management is the responsibility of
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concerned authorities" as evident from the analysis of the mean item scores. Further as the
mean score ranged from 2.28 to 2.47, it revealed that respondents of both nuclear and joint
families don't blame the authorities of solid waste management system for protection of
the health and environment. Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no
significant differences in the opinion of different families on solid waste management with
respect to the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed indicating the acceptance of
the hypothesis-6 with respect to item-76 of the Solid Waste Management system.
opinion of the respondents on "protection of the environment and health of people in solid
mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz. Government vs Private
revealed that there was difference of opinion of the different category of employees on
"protection of the environment and health of people in solid waste management is the
responsibility of concerned authorities". Again the mean item scores of the different
occupational groups varied from 1.70 to 2.35. This indicated that people of different
occupational groups don't lay the responsibility on the authorities for the environment and
health of the people with reference to solid waste management". Hence the hypothesis-6
which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the opinion of different
Management system.
Item 77: Improper Collection and Disposal of Waste is affecting the Health of the
Family:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "improper collection
and disposal of waste is affecting the health of the family" as evident from the analysis of
the mean item scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 1. 92 to 2.11, it revealed that
respondents of both nuclear and joint families don't blame the authorities of solid waste
management system for improper collection and disposal of waste and they are of the
opinion that it in no way affects the health of the family Hence the hypothesis which stated
that "there existed no significant differences in the opinion of different families on solid
waste management with respect to the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed
indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-6 with respect to item-77 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
opinion of the respondents on "improper collection and disposal of waste is affecting the
health of the family" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational
Private employees. Again the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied
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from 1.83 to 2.15. This indicated that health of the people are not affected due to improper
collection and disposal of wastes in Shillong. Hence the hypothesis-6 which stated that
vs Other employees and Professional vs Other employees and was rejected in case of
Item 78: Solid Waste collected in the Locality gives Foul Smell and Odour:
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "solid waste collected
in the locality gives foul smell and odour" as evident from the analysis of the mean item
scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 1. 75 to 1.95, it revealed that respondents of
both nuclear and joint families don't feel that the solid waste collected in the locality gives
foul smell and odour. Hence the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant
differences in the opinion of different families on solid waste management with respect to
the state of environment in Shillong" was confirmed the acceptance of the hypothesis-6
opinion of the respondents on "solid waste collected in the locality gives foul smell and
odour" on analysis of their mean item scores based on different occupational groups viz.
Other employees and Private vs Other employees. Again the mean item scores of the
different occupational groups varied from 1.81 to 2.31. This indicated that there was
minimal problem of foul smell and odour of solid waste in the collection process. Hence
the hypothesis 6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the opinion of
was rejected in case of Government vs Other employees and Private vs Other employees
indicating the partial acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-78 of the Solid Waste
Management system.
opinion of the respondents of nuclear families and joint families on "open dumping is
unacceptable from aesthetic, environmental and sanitary point of view" as evident from the
analysis of the mean item scores. Further as the mean score ranged from 4.19 to 4.40, it
revealed that respondents of both nuclear and joint families do feel against open dumping
of generated solid waste from aesthetic environment and sanitation point of view. Hence
the hypothesis which stated that "there existed no significant differences in the opinion of
different families on solid waste management with respect to the state of environment in
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Shillong" was confirmed indicating the acceptance of the hypothesis-6 with respect to
environmental and sanitary point of view" on analysis of their mean item scores based on
that there was no difference of opinion of the different category of employees on "open
dumping is unacceptable from aesthetic, environmental and sanitary point of view". Again
the mean item scores of the different occupational groups varied from 4.19 to 4.37. This
indicated that people of different occupational groups are highly conscious about open
dumping of wastes from aesthetic, environmental and sanitary point of view". Hence the
hypothesis-6 which stated that "there exists no significant differences in the opinion of
employees indicating the acceptance of hypothesis-6 with respect to item-79 of the Solid
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4. 7 Discussions of the Results:
4.7.1
The hypothesis- I of the study with respect to the respondents of various regions
(NE, NW, SE and SW) was confirmed with respect to item 17 and 18 of objective- I.
The hypothesis- I of the study with respect to the respondents of various regions
(NE, NW, SE and SW) was partially confirmed with respect to item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
4.7.2
The hypothesis-2 of the study with respect to the respondents of various income
groups (LIG, MIG and RIG) was confirmed with respect to item 20, 22, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31,
34 and 35 of objective-2.
The hypothesis-2 of the study with respect to the respondents of various income
groups (LIG, MIG and IDG) was partially confirmed with respect to item 21, 25, 26, 27,
4.7.3
respondents was confirmed with respect to item 36, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45 of
objective-3.
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4.7.4
The hypothesis-4 of the study with respect to the residential areas of the
respondents was confirmed with respect to item 46, 47, 48, 50, 55, 57 and 58 of objective-
4.
The hypothesis-4 of the study with respect to the residential areas of the
respondents was partially confirmed with respect to item 49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56 and 59 of
objective-4.
4.7.5
The hypothesis-5 of the study with respect to sex ofthe respondents was confirmed
with respect to item 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68 and was rejected with respect to item 60, 61, 62
and 63 of objective-S.
The hypothesis-5 of the study with respect to the age group of the respondents was
partially confirmed with respect to item 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 66 and 68 and was confirmed
4.7.6
The hypothesis-6 of the study with respect to the type of families of the
respondents was confirmed with respect to item 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76; 77. 78 and 79
The hypothesis-6 of the study with respect to the occupational group of the
respondents was confirmed with respect to item 69, 70, 72, 74 and 79 and was partially
Objective-1 (Practices):
The review of literature revealed that solid waste management systems adopted in
Indian cities are highly inefficient, outdated and lacking public participation. Overall
public apathy is observed in almost all the cities in the matter of handling and disposal of
Municipal waste. A system of throwing garbage in the streets by citizens and local bodies
collecting the waste from the streets and disposing it in the most unhygienic manner is in
vogue. Solid waste management in the city of Shillong as far as practices are concerned, is
viewed from the significant functional elements from the point of generation to final
disposal. This comprises of solid waste generation, waste handling and segregation,
storage and processing at source, collection, transportation and disposal at the household
and community level. The separations of functional elements are important because it
allows the development of a framework i.e. to evaluate the impact of existing practices and
propose changes for future management. The study has highlighted several inadequacies at
all stages and recognizes the need and urgency to evolve a proper mechanism and systems
Source Reduction - although not controlled by solid waste managers, is now included in
reduction is the most effective way to reduce the quantity of waste, the cost associated with
its handling, and its environmental impact. Waste minimization or reduction at source is
the most desirable activity, because the community does not incur expenditure for waste
handling, recycling and disposal of waste that is never created and delivered to the waste
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management system. To reduce the amount of waste generated at the source, the most
( 1) The adoption of industry standards for product manufacturing and packaging that
use less material. Waste reduction may occur through the design, manufacture and
and a longer useful life. It is now well recognized that sustainable development can
with less" i.e. more goods and services with less use of resources (raw materials
and energy) and less pollution and waste. Efforts must be made to reduce the
quantity of materials used in both packaging and obsolescent goods and to begin
the process of recycling at the source so that fewer materials become part of the
(2) The levying (by community) of cess/fees for waste management services that
(3) Waste reduction may also occur at the household level through selective buying
patterns and the reuse of products and materials. Product consumption is a natural
activity. Society changes a standard of living by changing the quantity and quality
quantity and quality as changes occur in the standard of living. Consumption habits
The challenge is to change consumption habits that have been established over
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many years, as a result of advertising pressure and glamorizes increased
consumption.
(4) The passing of laws that mtmmtze the use of virgin materials in consumer
Waste Handling, Sorting, Storage and Processing at Source: Waste handling and
sorting involves the activities associated with management of wastes until they are placed
in storage containers for collection. Handling also encompasses the movement of loaded
containers to the point of collection. The waste should normally be stored at the source of
waste generation till collected for its disposal. Separation of waste components is an
important step in the handling and storage of Solid Waste at source. From the standpoint of
materials specifications and revenues from the sale of recovered materials, the best place to
separate waste materials for reuse and recycling is at the source of generation. The
separation of solid waste components at the source of generation is one of the most
positive and effective ways to achieve the recovery and reuse of materials. The
effectiveness of residential waste separation depends on the type of system used for the
integrated solid waste management system. The driving force for choosing a source
sorting of waste into different streams at the source or at a centralized facility. Sorting at
source is more economical than sorting at a centralized facility. The storage of waste,
wherever practiced, should synchronise with primary collection system. Most people store
waste in buckets, plastic bins, plastic bags and metal bins. By and large such bins used are
without lids. These are unsuitable for storage of food waste for 24 hours as waste starts
stinking very fast due to putrefaction. For keeping streets, footpaths, open spaces, public
places, rivers and drains clean, it is necessary that waste producers cooperate and
effectively participate in the waste management efforts of local bodies. People, therefore,
should be educated to form a habit of storing waste at source in their personal bin/bins and
deposit such waste into the Municipal system only, at specified times. The waste at source
should be stored in 2-3 covered bins/ bags, one for food waste/biodegradable and another
for recyclable waste such as papers, plastic, metal, glass, rags etc. Use of a non-corrosive
container with lid is advised for the storage of food/biodegradable/wet waste. A container
of 15 litre capacity for a family of five members would ordinarily be adequate. However, a
household may keep larger containers or more than one container to store the waste
produced in 24 hours having a spare capacity of 100% to meet unforeseen extra loads. Wet
wastes should preferably not be disposed of in plastic carry bags. In the United States of
America a number of communities use a collection system in which three containers are
used for recycled materials in addition to one or more containers for non-recyclable
materials. In the three container system, newspaper is placed in one container. Aluminium
cans, glass and plastics are placed in the second container. The remaining wastes are
placed in the third container. In another system, four containers are used. All paper and
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cardboard materials are placed in one container. All plastics, glass, tin cans, aluminium and
any other metals are placed in a second container. Garden wastes are placed in the third
container and all remaining waste materials are placed in the fourth container.
Realistically, this practice is totally absent in Shillong Municipal area. Private gardens
should as far as possible compost and reuse all plant waste on-site. Where it is not possible
to dispose of garden waste within the premises and the waste is required to be disposed of
outside the premises, it should be stored in large bags or bins on-site and transferred into a
Collection: The functional element of collection includes not only the gathering of solid
wastes and recyclable materials, but also the transport of these materials after collection, to
the location where the collection vehicle is emptied. There are different practices for waste
collection across the world from door-to-door collection to dumping at the nearest
dumping site or community collection points. The term collection includes not only the
gathering or picking up of solid wastes from the various sources, but also the hauling of
those wastes to the location where the contents of the collection vehicles are emptied.
contracts. Collection accounts for almost 50% of the total annual cost of urban solid waste
management.
(1) The Municipality should provide daily waste collection service to all households,
shops and establishments for collection of putrescible organic waste from the
doorstep or from community bins. This service must be regular and reliable.
be collected daily. Hazardous waste need not be collected from the doorstep. People
should be advised or directed to deposit such waste in special bins created for the
purpose.
(2) The size of the community bins should match with the waste generated by the
to make provisions for segregation. In the absence of covered bins, Public health
authorities have shown that rodents, flies and other disease vectors breed in open
(3) The system of door-to-door collection which is hardly practiced should be introduced.
without any concern for health and hygiene. Many cities in India have now initiated
the door-to-door collection of garbage. Municipalities across the country have started
to invite proposals for door-to-door collection of waste and transportation of the same
funds have to be allocated for salaries and protective gear such as shoes and gloves.
Unemployed youths of the area can get jobs. In door-to-door collection, households
should be asked to pay a nominal sum of Rs.20 - Rs. 30 per month for disposal of
their garbage. The money collected from the localities should be utilized for payment
(4) In slums, because of lack of access or due to narrow lanes, it may not be convenient
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should be placed at suitable locations by the Municipality to facilitate the storage
generated by them.
(5) The solid waste collected from the doorsteps or from the community bins through the
primary collection system needs to be unloaded and stored at convenient places for its
which synchronise with primary collection and transportation system are therefore
Transfer and Transport: The functional element of transfer and transport involves two
steps ( 1) the transfer of wastes from the smaller collection vehicle to the larger transport
equipment and (2) the subsequent transport of the wastes usually over long distances to a
bring about a total change in the existing system. Manual loading should be discouraged
and phased out expeditiously and replaced by direct lifting of containers through hydraulic
ensure that the containers/community bins sites are cleared before they start overflowing.
The system of transportation of waste must also synchronize with bulk storage of waste at
the temporary waste storage depots. Motor vehicles are most commonly used.
moist, warm and aerobic environment. (1) In case of individual households, vermi-
composting can also be practiced. It involves the stabilization of organic solid waste
through earthworm consumption for conversion of the organic material to worm casting.
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(2) The design and construction of a full scale mechanical compost plant for Municipal
solid waste is also appreciable. The compost thus prepared can be sold directly to farmers
separation and processing of Solid Waste components and transformation of solid waste
that occurs primarily in locations away from the source of waste generation are
encompassed by the fourth functional element. The separation and processing of wastes
that have been separated at the source and the separation of commingled wastes usually
occur at a materials recovery facility, transfer stations, combustion facilities and disposal
commingled (mixed) state. Processing often includes the separation of bulky items,
volume reduction by compaction and combustion. The organic fraction of MSW can be
transformed by a variety of chemical and biological processes. The most commonly used
recovery of energy in the form of heat. The most commonly used biological transformation
is aerobic composting and anaerobic composting. In the aerobic process the utilizable
product is compost. In the anaerobic process, the utilizable product is methane gas (for
energy recovery). In India, aerobic composting plants have been used to process up to 500
tons per day of waste. Mechanized sorting facilities using magnetic and electric field
separation, density separation, pneumatic separation and other techniques are used in some
sorting does occur after household wastes reach community collection bins through rag
facility or a landfill. Home sorting and centralized sorting processes normally recover most
Energy Recovery: Solid waste contains organic as well as inorganic matter. The latent
energy present in its organic fraction can be recovered for gainful utilization through
recovered from the organic fraction of waste basically through two methods - ( 1) Thermo-
produce either heat energy or fuel oil or gas. The main technological options under this
produce methane gas or alcohol. The main technological options under this category is
and the amount of waste requiring disposal by landfilling. Recycling involves (1) the
separation and collection of waste materials (2) the preparation ofthese materials for reuse,
reprocessing and remanufacture and (3) the reuse, reprocessing, and remanufacture of
these materials.
Disposal: Today the disposal of wastes by landfilling or land spreading is the ultimate fate
of all solid wastes, whether they are residential wastes collected and transported directly to
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landfill site, residual matters from materials recovery facilities, residue from the
combustion of Solid Waste, compost or other substances from various Solid Waste
processing facilities. For this reason, every effort must be made to reduce the toxicity of
the wastes that will ultimately be placed in landfills. The design of landfills must also
improve to provide the safest possible location for the long term storage of waste materials.
With an expended data base comes the opportunity to understand how landfills function
and how to manage the wastes placed in landfills. Three types of landfills should be
adopted. Sanitary landfills in which Municipal waste should be placed, Landfills where
only hazardous waste are disposed and Monofills where only a single type of waste is
placed e.g. construction waste. In a landfill, sorting may be carried out by ragpickers
immediately after spreading of a layer of waste. Wherever manual sorting is adopted, care
must be taken to ensure that sorters are protected from all disease pathways and work in
hygienic conditions.
Drains: In Shillong there are open surface drains beside the road, into which quite often
the sweepers and the public dispose off waste unauthorizedly. These drains need to be
cleaned on a regular basis to permit free flow of waste water. Action should be taken to
ensure that sweepers and citizens do not dispose off any waste into drains. Necessary tools
should be provide to drain cleaners. The periodicity of cleaning such drains should be
worked out based on the conditions and frequency of clogging of drains. Strictures should
be enforced for random disposal of wastes on drains, streams and vacant land.
Rag Pickers: Rag pickers can play a key role in the management of garbage. They work
day and night on the garbage dump sites to collect the recyclable materials. Rag pickers
were quite often seen around waste receptacles/ community bins/ rummaging nvers,
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streams and drains engaged in picking up waste materials of some use. These rag pickers
are exposed to health risks as they use their bare hands in contaminated waste. They sell
conditions. Quite often they spread the waste at the dustbin site to pick up recyclables. This
system can be improved by introducing a system of collecting recyclable waste from the
doorsteps changing the role of ragpickers to that of waste collectors. NGOs may be
activated to organize the ragpickers and convert them into doorstep waste collectors to
improve their quality of life and to reduce their health risks. This will also increase their
income levels. The ragpickers may also be given identity cards by the NGOs for increasing
their acceptability in society. The NGOs may also support the ragpickers by giving them
bags and tools required for collection of recyclable waste from the doorstep.
Objective-2 (Perception):
The perception of the people in general regarding the management of solid waste is low.
There has been no major effort to create community awareness on the simple steps that
every citizen can take, which will help in reducing waste generation and promote effective
ways of disposing the waste generated. The degree of community sensitization and public
awareness is low in almost all the urban places in India. This is an indication that education
of public representatives and the public is a vital and integral part of any solid waste
management plans.
system sustainable. The information related to public awareness are necessary for
conducting the planning should initiate information and education program early
in the plan formulation stages, and the public information plan should continue
(2) People's perception on the various issues of solid waste management from source
education through the use of electronic and print media, street plays, poster
Scouts and Guides could accelerate the dissemination process on solid waste
management.
(3) School curriculum should cover the aspect of solid waste management in the
subject of moral science or social studies. Since habit formation at an early age is
(4) The government and local body should select representative samples of the
the people about the SWM services being given to them, their expectations and
extent to which they are willing to support and participate in the process. Their
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as many ways as possible, with policy makers, to seek clarification of doubts,
(5) Many NGOs are committed to improve SWM practices and perception in order to
protect the environment. Some also have developed good mass communication
skills and education programs for the public. Such NGOs may be persuaded to
actively support the strategies adopted by the local body and associate in public
awareness campaigns.
(6) While all efforts should be made to educate the people to effectively participate in
the management of waste, they also need to be told that they can be penalized if
they fail to discharge their civic duties. The provision of penalties may be made
known to the people and details of those punished should be publicized widely to
deter others.
The existence of the local traditional institutions or the Dorbar Shnongs has been a
boon in the governance and administration of a locality. In fact, many ofthe Governmental
( 1) The traditional Dorbar Shnongs should be given statutory powers to become more
important linkage between the different levels of governance for the implementation
of various schemes and projects including the management of solid wastes. The
Government as well as Local body should work in close coordination with these
(2) With suitable amendments of the 74th amendment and the Municipal Act, the current
tangle over the Municipal elections could be resolved by electing the headmen of the
local dorbars as ward Commissioners. This will not dilute the role and functions of
traditional heads which is already in existence with the Shillong Municipal Board.
(3) The government should provide ample scope for the dissemination of IEC programs
through the active involvement and participation of the local dorbars. Though, most
of the Dorbar lack the expertise in the proper handling and management of wastes,
(4) The government should support the initiative taken by local dorbars as far as
strictures, rules and regulations are concerned. If the dorbars are given more teeth,
the community. By and large, the public have been quite responsive to the initiative of
the dorbars; therefore, strengthening the functioning of these institutions will pay
dividends. (5) Owing to the growing population and increased urbanization coupled
with the complexity of managing urban problems, the local dorbars should have a
body that will cater specifically only to the management of solid wastes.
(5) The annual cleaning day in the different localities of Shillong organized by the local
dorbars should be made a more regular feature with the help and support of the
(6) The construction of Community bins should be done under the supervision of the
techniques and approach according to the demand of the situation. Unlike the
Government which is armed with legal machinery and instruments, local Dorbars
comply with the rules and regulations framed by the Dorbars as a collective action
and not because of the penalty imposed by the local institutions. The decision of the
dorbar may or may not be binding to the public but any violation or defiance on the
Certain conventions may not have the rule of law but conformity to the shared
Solid waste management is one of the essential obligatory functions of the urban
local bodies in India. Local bodies in the country are governed by various laws enacted by
their respective legislatures. The Shillong Municipality do not have adequate provision for
ensuring appropriate solid waste management systems with the result outdated systems
continue affecting the quality of life of the people. The service is falling too short of the
desired level of efficiency and satisfaction resulting in problems of health, sanitation and
environmental degradation. The study revealed that local body lack technical, managerial,
garbage and its management has become a tenacious problem and this notwithstanding the
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(1) The Shillong Municipality should have a Municipal Solid Waste Management
Plan. The plan should be a written document outlining the activities that the civic
body intends to undertake during the life-span of the plan, coupled with a set of
directives for achieving the objectives within a given time frame. Planning is the
conscious process for meeting future requirement and objectives with full
the problem that exists, collect and analyze data about these problems. assess the
situation in the light of the analyzed data, suggest actions for corrective measures
with respect to time frame and evaluate the actions taken in light of their success
or failure in achieving the objectives and modification of the plan, if need be, to
(2) When developing the solid waste management plan, the Shillong Municipality
should take into consideration all sorts of influences that must be considered. Such
development of the Plan should play a key role in supplying information and
(4) Prior to conducting the planning, the Municipality should initiate an IEC
programme early in the formulation stages and the public information plan should
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continue through implementation ofthe entire plan. Print and electronic media can
( 5) The local body should formulate and notify a policy that no waste shall be
disposed of on the streets, open spaces, drains, water bodies etc and instead the
recyclable and other biodegradable shall be stored separately at the source of waste
generation and shall be handed over to the waste collectors as per the
arrangements that may be notified by the local body from time to time.
(6) The Municipal authority is supposed to notify waste collection schedule and the
likely method to be adopted for public benefit. Instant service delivery requires
some drastic innovations in the way services were being provided to the citizens. It
also meant coming out of the mindset of limiting the Municipality to providing
routine services only but to develop a broader vision of the needs of the citizens.
This meant not only cleaning the city but also adding the aesthetic values to it. For
(7) The Local body, as a policy, should provide SWM services such as sweeping of
streets, primary collection of waste and disposal of waste on all the days of the
(8) The local bodies must make a policy and make serious endeavour to affect cost
recovery for the services being provided at the doorstep to the households.
(9) The local bodies should also frame a policy of providing community bins for the
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sanitary conditions in the slums irrespective their legal or illegal status in the city
( 10) The local body as a policy should provide adequate training to the staff in SWM
services and arrange for short term and refresher courses for updating the
knowledge of the supervisory staff to maintain the high standard of service. The
( 11) The local body should draw up a citizens charter and create a system to register
public grievances in all the wards and set up a mechanism for expeditious
(12) While all efforts may be made to build awareness among the community for public
As per the constitution of India, Solid waste Management is a state subject and it is
the primary responsibility of state governments to ensure that appropriate solid waste
formulate policy guidelines and provide technical assistance to the states whenever needed.
It also assists the state governments and local bodies in human resource development and
function.
( 1) The state government should frame appropriate policies to guide the local
bodies and take a lead role in activating the local bodies to perform their
obligatory duties effectively. The state should also support the local bodies
through legislative measures to enable the local body to perform better. The
state should make suitable legislative changes in the local laws and provide the
(2) The government should have adequate provision for enforcement of sanitation
laws and rules. This will facilitate the enforcement of directions that may be
given by the local urban bodies from time to time to the citizens for managing
their waste as prescribed and would also compel the local bodies to perform by
(3) The government should develop a solid waste management plan in accordance
with its priorities for the environment and the ability of state residents to
(4) The government should also promote financial health of the urban local body
to meet obligatory duties. Merely giving power to local bodies to impose taxes
have not yielded results. Several local bodies are shy of imposing adequate
may, therefore, prescribe a minimum amount of property tax per square metre
of property, the local body shall impose or levy from the property holder or
take some percentage of the value of the property or rent derived as property
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tax, which may generate adequate income to the urban local body to meet their
not to spend their funds on non-essential activities till it adequately meet the
demand on obligatory duties. Government may assess the need of the urban
(5) Government may also link fiscal incentives with performance and provide
(6) Government may also provide technical assistance to local bodies for preparing
project proposals for availing loans from World Bank, ADB and other national
(7) The state government may declare a policy to promote industries for recycling
of Municipal solid waste and also direct government organizations and local
compost made from municipal solid waste after being satisfied that the
products meets the necessary standards for the application on farm lands.
The state government may permit and encourage private sector participation in
the urban local body. In many states in India, different forms of participation
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have been designed with varymg levels of responsibility and cost sharing
(9) The State Government may develop appropriate information, education and
communication material (IEC) according to the local needs and take up state-
wide awareness campaign and help the urban local bodies to build public
awareness in the city and promote the principle of 'Reduce, Reuse and
Recycle'.
(1 0) The government should take initiative in providing suitable waste land for
treatment facility and disposal of waste to the m:ban local body. The land for
the disposal could be given for a period till the land so given is reclaimed
through sanitary land filling and government may take back the land, after the
( 11) The government should promote energy recovery, power generation etc from
municipal solid waste. The government may support proven technologies for
power generation from MSW by granting licenses and making power purchase
view the social benefits derived from such activity besides power generation.
of the defined goals and objectives of the government. The Public works
management and exposure visits to foreign countries and within the country for
Municipal solid waste management activities have a potential to cause air, water
and land pollution besides affecting aesthetics and creating health hazards which again has
all stages of Solid waste management. EHIA should involve the identification of
2. Environmental and health risk management should include both health safeguards
and mitigation measures. Project monitoring and health surveillance are also
treatment and disposal is essential. This would help in easy identification of the
various components of health care waste. All containers bearing hazardous material
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4. The collection containers should be sturdy, leak-proof and of adequate size. There
is not exposed and thus preventing the spread of disease through flies and
mosquitoes. The collection system should be properly supervised so that quick and
5. The Staff of the Shillong Municipality handling solid wastes are continuously at
risk during their working hours. Therefore it is essential that adequate protection
aid facilities should be provided to the ground staff. The State Health authority
should also take the responsibility for health and sanitation aspects of SWM.
the unscientifically designed dust bins giving unsightly appearance besides causing
nuisance and unhygienic conditions. Trucks loaded with garbage should be covered
attractive feeding and breeding site for flies, rats and other scavengers. If waste is
project plans as they also form an important segment in the management of solid
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waste. These people live and work under extensive health risks, which are largely
undocumented and suffer severe exploitation and deprivation. Health and welfare
9. The soil cover should be applied over the compacted waste at the disposal site. The
10. In order to rank environmental and health risks associated with environmental and
health hazards it would be appropriate to construct a project profile. The three main
management.
possible to (a) identify the fundamental aspects and relationships involved in each
element and (b) to develop quantifiable relationships for the purpose of making
2. There should be proper measurement of solid waste generated and collected. This is
and designing of waste collection routes, materials recovery facilities and disposal
facilities. Information on the quantity of Municipal solid waste generated will also
programs. The principal reason for measuring the quantities of solid waste
generated, separated for recycling and collected for further processing or disposal is
to obtain data that can be used to develop and implement effective solid waste
measured rate seldom reflects the true rate. Most solid waste generation rates
reported are actually based on measurement of waste collected, not the actual
amount generated. The following methods which are commonly used can be
adopted to assess solid waste quantities are (a) load-count analysis- in this method,
the number of individual loads and the corresponding waste characteristics are
noted over a specific period (b) weight -volume analysis - is obtained by weighing
and measuring each load and (c) materials-balance analysis- by identifying all the
activities that affect the generation of wastes, rate of waste generation associated
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3. The measurement of waste should also take into consideration the amount of solid
4. The handling and separation of waste at source is a critical step and one of the most
effective ways to achieve the recovery and reuse of materials. The residents should
be responsible for placing the segregated solid wastes components -both recyclable
and non-recyclable in three containers and transporting the same to the community
collection system. The number and types of components separated will depend on
the waste diversion goals established for the programme. The reuse and recycling
opportunities and the options available for the separation of materials will affect the
place at any time before collection (before, during, or after storage). Home or
backyard composting is an effective way of reducing the volume and altering the
physical composition of solid wastes while at the same time producing a useful by-
product.
5. An appropriate system should be in place for the collection of solid wastes. This
should take into consideration the type of collection service, the type of equipments
environmentally sound is highly preferable as the benefits for waste recovery and
collection vehicles. Satellite vehicle collection system may be introduced before the
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6. Depending on the mode of operation, the collection system could be in two
categories (a) Hauled Container System (HCS) and (b) Stationary Container
System (SCS). In the former, the containers used for the storage of wastes are
hauled to the disposal site, emptied, and returned to their original location. In the
latter, the containers used for the storage of wastes remain at the point of
generation. Hauled containers are ideally suited for the removal of wastes from
sources where the rate of generation is high. The use of large containers reduces
associated with the use of numerous smaller containers. The three main types of
hauled container systems that can be used are (a) hoist truck (b) tilt-frame container
7. Manual loading methods should be employed in residential areas where the pickup
8. The transfer and transport of wastes should satisfy the following requirements (a)
wastes must be transported at minimum cost (b) Waste must be covered during the
haul operation (c) vehicles must be designed for highway traffic (d) vehicle
capacity must be such that the allowable weight limits are not exceeded and (e)
9. Once equipment and labour requirements have been determined, collection routes
must be laid out so that both the collectors and equipment are used effectively.
Some heuristic guidelines that should be taken into consideration are - wastes
possible, sources with extremely large quantities should be collected first, in hilly
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areas like Shillong routes should start at the top of the grade and proceed downhill
as the vehicle becomes loaded and existing system characteristics such as crew size
10. For safe and reliable long term disposal of waste residues, the use of sanitary
government. There are many agencies and local institutions who are responsible for
providing civic amenities to the citizens of Shillong. Apparently within the same
city at least seven agencies of the government are operating and implementing
(UAD), Meghalaya State Electricity Board (MeSEB) and the Shillong Municipal
Board (SMB). Most of them do not know the programmes of the other agency. The
2. The Meghalaya Urban Development Authority should be the Umbrella body of the
different agencies and departments. The MUDA should take on these functions as
all schemes have to be implemented within the framework of Master Plans and
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Zonal Plans. If this is so, then provisions should be made for the above department
made in the Meghalaya Town and Country Planning Act, 1973 so that the
government agencies including Syiemship and District Council are represented and
contribute in the development process of the city including health and sanitation.
3. The Rangbah Shnongs (Headmen) representing the traditional Dorbars which are
Commissioners since they can articulate better the felt needs of the people.
actors who should be shouldered with the responsibility to specifically involve with
the management of solid waste not only within the jurisdiction of the Municipal
limits but should extend their accountability even to other localities of Shillong
Urban agglomeration.
5. There is a need for setting up a civic body having jurisdiction over the entire
Master Plan area of Shillong of 174 sq. km. as the present Municipal Board's
boundary is limited to only 10.36 sq. km. The absence of Municipal Board and
Town Committees in other units of Urban Agglomeration has made civic services
6. There should be a special committee to coordinate with the different agencies and
departments for overall development of the slum pockets and their improvement.
Efforts has to be made to tackle the problems in a coordinated manner and this
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4.9 Implications of the Study:
Any research must have some bearing on the theory and practice to which it
belongs. The results of the present study have therefore, to be viewed from this angle as to
how much do they contribute to the existing knowledge. It should be admitted at the very
outset that SWM has some natural implications on environment and sanitation. health and
hygiene of the people. The present study has far reaching implications for bringing out
suitable changes in the minds of the people, the Municipality Authority, the traditional
institutions and the government in terms of practice, strictures, rules and regulations.
The implications of the present study are therefore not difficult to concern. There is
a growing awareness on the part of the respondents and traditional institutions to keep
Shillong neat and clean. Therefore an effective solid waste management system is the most
important element from aesthetic point of view. While every resource like capital assets
and technology can be brought in the arena of solid waste management, the only resource
required to keep not only their houses clean but also have to clean their own surrounding
and neighbourhood. This is the first step in solid waste management. This is where Adult
Education intervention is necessary to make people aware about the scientific practices of
the household wastes. If this problem is tackled at the first level of intervention, the
magnitude of solid waste and the problems thereof would be lessened than half Therefore
there is a great need to take a fresh look at solid waste management in the light of
1. Solid waste management is closely related to the practices adopted by the people at
city.
2. Adult educators must believe that solid waste management is an important area of
3. Although positive feeling about the problem and management of solid wastes exist
among the policy makers, Municipality and traditional institutions, the solid waste
managers must play the role of motivator, enabler, activist and social therapist for
viewed as a long term investment for bringing out the civic awareness among the
people of Shillong.
4. There is a need to integrate the role of Municipality, policy makers and planners,
management.
5. A good solid waste management must address itself in evolving a system where
different personnel and periodically reviewing the system would bring about the
7. The solid waste management process should aim at creating an environment for
8. The organizational strategy should be to enable the people to perceive the need for
management and manage the change as a practice measure. It calls for a high level
sensibility, conviction and faith in the policy, strictures, rules and regulation so as
to bring out changes in the attitude and perception of the people with regard to solid
waste management.
stakeholders and their role in arising the civicness culture through appropriate
10. Manpower planning should be ensured for optimum utilization of solid waste
requirements in terms of number, but also the requirements in terms of skills and
efforts to manage the changing technology in the arena of solid waste management.
11. There is a need to integrate the various sub-systems of SWM and not to treat these
each of these processes by developing competence among the solid waste managers
effectively.
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12. For a successful implementation of solid waste management, a well-designed solid
13. Lack of formal communication system at the Municipal and Government level with
the various levels of solid waste management contributes to the gap and realizing
14. More emphasis should be placed on team-work rather than individual efforts in the
Taking into consideration the above points, the findings of the present study has
personnel working in the area of SWM, policy planner, traditional institutions and other
In social science research, the investigator has to delimit the problem under
In view of the Research on SWM, the limitations of the present study are presented
as under:
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1. The study is restricted to the existing Municipal limits of Shillong.
2. The selection of the sample has been limited to one of the adults from one of
management.
5. The study is limited to four localities from each regton vtz. Northeast,
Municipality.
6. The study is limited to the Slum, Residential, Hospital and market areas of
Shillong.
The investigator was now in a position to make suggestions for further study. The
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3. The present study can be undertaken on the Municipality which is directly
involved in Solid Waste Management and the practices can be compared with
7. Similar studies can be undertaken on the effect of solid waste generated and
9. The present study can be undertaken to study the civicness of the people living
in cities.
10. Similar studies can be conducted to study the impact of solid wastes on health
of the people.
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